I am expecting my second this march and want to try using a midwife or doula instead of my previous doctor. I decided to keep nursing my 14 month old through this pregnancy (please no advice about this, I've already had my fair share!) and want to find a place that supports it. Also, would you recommend using both a doula and midwife? I have heard that doula's in training are free and am wondering where I can find them! Thanks!
I went to Woodwinds (HealthEast in Woodbury), and I had an awesome midwife. They have 5 midwives that you see for all your appointments (you can switch it up all you want) and then whoever is on call delivers the baby. I had an excellent experience there. Also, they offer free doula support during labor, so if you are interested, I would check with Woodwinds if it's not too far away. Good luck!
I also used Katherine Simon at Northmetro Midwives, she did a great job. I used an OBGYN for my first baby, which was also fine, but I personally liked having Katherine there for my entire delivery. She is also really funny and has a heart of gold!
Hi Abbey,
Check out Blooma in Edina. They may have some good ideas for you!
Blessings,
G. H
Hi, I had a great midwife. I think the best one out there...Katherine Simon through North Metro Midwifes (google them)--she also has a partner now. I did not use a doula, and Katherine was a great labor coach for me! So was my husband! If I had to pick a doula, I would choose Sarah Longacre--she teaches prenatal yoga and owns Blooma yoga studio in Edina. Although she is not free--I am sure she one of the best:)
I second go to childbirthcollective.org - you can see where the monthly meetings are and you can click on member profiles (for doulas). I just interviewed several - some that I had just looked at there profiles on the website, but the one we actually hired was one I met at the All About Doulas night. So I think it's good to go there, because you can get a feel for them in person. Oh - and I am doing a midwife and a doula. I have heard wonderful things about Katherine Simon, but I'm a VBAC, and unfortunately she's not able to do VBACs right now (it's a political thing - VBACs bring up quite a bit of controversy). Also, I learned at the all about doulas meeting that many doulas will barter or work with you if you are unable to pay, or can't pay as much. That'd also be a great place to find out if someone is getting their certification and wants to do it for free. Good luck! I know having a doula will be wonderful for us - something we did not do with our first birth.
A doula is stricktly a support person, they don't deliver babies. They are there to get you water, rub your back, be your voice to hospital staff, ect. To answer you question you would want a midwife AND possibly a doula.
I would look for a doula by contacting your hospital or asking your midwife. Most people do not meet their doulas before the big day. Often these volunteer doulas in training are on a on-call schedule with the hospital.
To find a doula go to the Childbirth Collective meetings. The first meeting of every month is "All About Doulas" where you can find out what a doula can do and meet doulas that attend. Go to Childbirthcollective.org to find the meeting schedule. They would also be able to put you in touch with newly trained doulas who may work for less.
